Commanders reloaded at key position in free agency, but a closer look shows they still have a major problem
The Commanders aren’t in the clear yet on addressing a pivotal position, especially given the long-term outlook.
The Washington Commanders understood the assignment this offseason after being the top spenders in free agency.
They came away with a much younger roster and addressed a lot of their top needs before the NFL Draft. One of those positions was the EDGE, which needed it the most, with three new faces rushing the QB. Despite the new addition, the Commanders still have a major problem at EDGE that could be addressed in the NFL Draft next month.
The Commanders don’t have long-term security at EDGE
General manager Adam Peters said they would focus on the EDGE position, and that’s exactly what they did. The Commanders started by dropping a four-year, $100 million deal on Odafe Oweh as their young franchise player to build around at just 27 years old.
Then, the Commanders added more quality in K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu on one-year deals, and that’s where the problem is. The Commanders only have two players under contract after the season, and it’s Oweh and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who probably won’t make the roster cuts after the new additions.
The Commanders could very well have just one player for the long haul at EDGE, and that’s why I could see them drafting another with the No. 7 overall pick, or at least later in the draft for more depth.
The Commanders should draft another EDGE for the future
Sure, the Commanders could just re-sign Chaisson or Omenihu after the season, but they still wouldn’t have much long-term security, and not another sure starter opposite of Oweh. We don’t know the team’s plans with Dorance Armstrong after a significant knee injury last year, and how much that impacts him getting a new contract.
Deatrich Wise and Drake Jackson are easily replaceable after the season as well, but they can also be replaced in the NFL Draft if the opportunity presents itself. Don’t rule the Commanders out on taking David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick if one falls, despite a lot of the projections going towards Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate now.
If they pass on one in the first round, I’d love to see them target Dani Dennis-Sutton or Gabe Jacas with the No. 71 overall pick, and the quality at EDGE drops significantly on Day Three of the draft. Yes, the Commanders did address the position, but they could be right back in the same situation after the season if they don’t add more long-term security.
The 2027 EDGE class looks to be stacked as well, so they could just be preparing for this season and look to the next offseason for their next answer for another top starter, with Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart leading the way.